Traffic-simulating amusement device



Feb. 28, 1928.

1,660,716 L. MARX TRAFFIC SIMULATING AMUSEMENT DEVICE Fil ed April v15. 1927 F2 MW ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 28,1928.

LOUIS Manx, or BROOKLYN; new Yonx.

TBAFFIC-SIMULATING amusniannr'nnvron Application filedApril 15, 1927. Serial No. 188,971.;

I constructed to simulate traffic movements.

The prime object of my present invention centers about the'provision of a mechanically operated amusementdevice'inwhich a plurality of figures such as simulated vehicles or the like are operated in intersectner in simulation of movement of traffic at intersections. v V More specifically the prime objects of the present invention comprehend the provision of a traffic simulating toy wherein a plurality of figures movable in intersecting paths or tracks are operated to produce a non-inter-f fering or non-colliding movement of said figures past the intersecting area of said paths; the further provision of a trafiic simulatmg toy in which one of the figures which is made to simulate a train ofcars is movable in its path or track continuously while another of said figures which may be made to simulate a motor vehicle figureis movable in a separate path continuously, andthe two figures are caused to movepast an intersecting region without collision; the still further provision of a trafiic controlled toy of this character in which a common motor means is employed for operating the movable figures through theintersecting paths; and the still further provision of an amusement device of this character in which one of the figures such as a simulated motor vehicle may be caused to move intothe intersection safely after the'train of cars passes said intersection, or may be caused to move into said in-.

tersection in a position immediately preceding the movement of the simulated train of cars into said inter-section, to the stimulating amusement of the child.

Correlated and other important objects of the invention reside in the production of a toy or amusement device in which the-foregoing operations or actions are accomplished by means of comparatively simple mecha nism which may be manufactured and sold at a lowfigure and in which the parts are interrelated in a manner to permit durable use of the toy by the child I To the accomplishment of the foregoing and such other objects as will hereinafter ap-. pear, my invention consists in the elements and their relation one to-the other as hereinafter more particularly described: and sought to be definedin the claims; reference being had to the. accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of my invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the toy embodyingthe principles of my present invention. I l l Fig. 3 is a top lplan view of a part broken away;

ings, I show one of the preferred ways in 7 which the principles of my present invene tion are carried out in practice byjmeans of comparatively simple and inexpensive mechanism. In this preferred form of the invention I provide a plurality of movable figures generally designated as F and F?" movable in the directions indicated by the arrows in the figures in defined or lpredetermined endless paths such as the-two annular pathsor tracks P and P which pathsor tracks cross or intersect in a region generally designated as I. In accordanfcewith thepresentinvention the figures Ff and F? are operated or propelledcyclically in their paths or orbits P and P respectively and through the m tersecting region I in a manner to simulate the non-interfering or non-colliding movement between such figures. I Thus where it is ,desi-redto imitate, themovement of traffic at a railway crossing the figure F is madeto and the figure F? is made to represent a motor vehicle; and these figures are operated for defining the predetermined and preferably. annular paths or tracks P and'P 'I preferably provide a support which comprises a platform having an outer section 10 "and spaced inner sections 11 and '12. sup

ported on the outer section in a manner to be described presently, the said outersec tionbeing 'el'evatingly supported by a sur-, j rounding skirt portion 13.; said; sections derepresent a locomotive and a train of cars fining a casing for the operating partsof the toy. Theplatform disc-sections 11 and '12 are spaced from the outer platform section 10 to provide the annular channels which define the paths or tracks P5 and l? and the Fig. 2 is a side elevationalview thereof with parts broken away, and ing paths in a predetermined or defined mansaid disc platform sections 11 and 12 are cut ,or contoured at their tangential meet ing .areas to provide the intersecting area I ofsuch paths. These platform disc sections 11 and 12 are supported on the outer platform section by means of bridge or arch devices which are provided both for useful and ornamental purposes, such devices comprising a tunnel-shaped structure 14 supporting one side of the'di-sc 11 on one end of the platform section 10, a suspension bridge structure 15 support1ngone end'of the disc 12 on the other end of the platform section 10 andan intermediate archway, structure 16 which is attached to and connectsadjacent disc sections 11 and 12 of theplatform' and which supportsthe same at a.

center or intermediate portion of the outer I .tions by mesh screen 15 platform section-10,'as is clearly shown in Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings.

All of theparts are preferably made of metal cut or fashioned to the desired configuration and emb'e'llished'to produce an accuate simulation of the structures imitated;

and said structures are connected to the platform sections in any preferred or approved 'manner such for example as by brazing the parts together at the joints or by interlocking the parts'in a manner well known to the art. The tunnel structure .14 is made preferably of sheet metahthe archway structure is also made of sheet metal suitably reticulated as shown, while the extension bridge structure is made by connecting the sheet metal posts 15 and 15 by means "of braided wire 15315, connected to the platform sec The movable figures F and F are also preferably fashioned out ofsheet metal as is well known to those "skilled inthe art.

The Figures F and F are moved in their paths P. and P respectively by means of motor mechanism; and in the preferred construction a common motor means is employed for operating both of these figures,

such motor means comprising any convenplatform disc section 11 extending below the tional or well known spring motor housed in a motor casing 17 preferably supported by thedisc platform" section 11, the said motor 7 means (not shown) being wound by the usual winding key 18-and being connected to a driven shaft 19 which projects through the same for connection to. the operated parts of For operating the simulated train F in thedirection indicated by the arrows I provide a means connecting the'figure F with ing. upwardly through the annular channel- P and connected to the figure F to support spaced above the platform sections. spindle shaft 22, and also the motor shaft 19,

the sinniilated motor vehicle F such means comprising a radial connecting arm or rod 21', one end 214 of which is fixed to a spindle shaft and the other end of which is pro:

vided with an upturned portion 23 extend ing through the channel P and. fixedly attached to the vehicle figure F so as to move the same cyclically in the path P 'slightly The are supported at spaced points in the platform sections 11 and 12 and in a cross brace 24. I c

Preferably, as aforestated, both of the movable figures F and F are operated by a common motor means, although itwill be understood that inthe broader aspects of the invention independent meter mechanism for the plurality of figures maybe provided.

The common motor mechanism is so constructed and the parts of the device so interrelated that both of the toy figures are operated in'tl eir orbits and are moved through the intersecting region I in a manner to interestingly depict either a safe or unsafe method of operating traffic "at a "railroad crossing without the figures coming into collision. Toaccomplish this end I provide a gearing mechanism interconnecting themetor shaft 19 with the spindle 22, said gearing mechanism being arranged beneath so as to be concealedby the platform sections of the toy,.this gearing inechanisn'i in one of its most simple forms comprising a crown gear 24 fixed to themotor shaft l?) and meshing with a pinion 25 fixed to a transmission shaft 26 supported in angle pieces 27, 27, a

second pinion 28 being providedon said transmission shaft meshing with a second crown gear 2 tired to the spindle 22. By means of this constructionit will be seen tl'iat'energization of the motor will communicate motion to the drive shaft 19 and through the interconnecting gearing 'to the spindle 22 for operating both of the figures.

Preferably the simulated train of cars F V is given a speed of operation substantially greater than-that of the simulated motor vehicle 23, the ratio of gearing therebetween being about 2 to 1, as clearlyshownlin Figs. 2 and. 3 of the drawings. related that although the cyclical speed of movement of one of the 'igures is different than theother, thetwo are caused to-move through the intersecting" region I without collision. This is disclosed particularly in Fig. 1 of the drawings where the relation of movement between the il guresi'isjdepicted.

The parts are so region.

ot the drawings, I

that when the figure F moves. toward. the intersectingregion I, the pivoted arm'33 is elevated and the gate moved to an ascend- In this Fig. l the train of cars F is shown n full lines entering the. intersection I and indotted lines as leaving the same, and the motor vehicle figure F is shown in full lines at a sate distance from the intersection as the train of cars moving thereinto and is shown in dotted lines as moving into the intersection to the rear of the train figure F.. This represents a safe methodot' relatively moving the toy figures. In some instances I prefer to illustrate an unsafe but amusing method of passing the intersection and wherein the simulated motor vehicle moves into the intersecting region 1n advance of the train and just barely escapes collision with.

thetrain at the exit end of the intersecting It will be understood that since the speed of movement orthe train is faster than that of the motor vehicle,;the train will be seen to gain on the motor vehicle asthe latter races through the intersection and the. parts areso arranged" as to permit the vehicle to just barely escape collision, thus providing amusing entertainment. The different relative arrangements may be provided by simply ehangingthe position of the crown gear 23 with respect to'the pinion'28, which may bedone by springing these elements apart and shifting onewith respect to the other.

It will be also understood that in accordance with the operation shown in the drawings, both figures are moved continuously in.

by an areuate shaped arm 33 pivoted as at 345011 the platform disc 12. The arm 33 is.

arranged to be engaged by the radial operating arm 21, as clearly shown-n1 F1gs..2 and 3 the engagement being such ed position. Atter the figure F passes the open gate 1t Wlll be understood that the gate lever returns to its closed or descended positionhy the gravity. of the parts. To simulate a manual operation or the gate leverthe same is connected to a figure or-manilzin stationarily mounted on the; platform disc 12 and provided with a movable arm. .0011- This gateway device com-. )11588 a lever 30 fulcrumed on a su or-t 31 I 1 l I o the said lever bem arovided with an 0 )era nting element 32 extendlng downwardly through the platform (llSC 12 and engaged nected'bya crank '36 to thergate lever 30.

Manitestly', as the gate lever is elevated the arm of the manilrin will he moved hythe crank 36 to simulate a manualoperation of thetrafiic gate.

If desired, other operated elements may be provided for enhancing the appearance of the toy such as the operating semaphore signal device 37 which is operated by means of a- .connecting element 38 projecting through the disc 11 and engaged by an arm 39 piv- .oted as at 40 to the plat-term disc 11 and which arm is operated by the movement "of the figure 'F ina manner similar to the op--.

eration of the pivoted arm 33 by the .move' ment of thefigure F Preferably also the platform supportis provided with Stop.

look and listen signs 41, 41' stationed at the intersecting regionI;

The :manner' of making or using "the toy or amusement device of my present inventionand the many advantages thereolj-ijor the purpose of affording interesting andattractive amusement i'or the child'wi'll in the main be fully apparentfrom the above de tailed descripton thereof. It will .be further apparent that a single motormechanism employed for operating the plurality ures F and F both being moved continuously in annular and preferablycircular 0 bits, thesaid figures heing qso operatedor controlled as to'prevent collidingaction-by the two figures at the intersection I of the annular tracks-or paths P and P .This operation takes place cyclically and in the construction exemplified the train figure makes, two revolutions for each revolution of the vehicle figure and the movements are so timed as to permit the non-interrupting or non-colliding operation of the toy; in any desired manner. The gate vGr is operated by the movement of the vehiclefigure and nor- -mally 1s mlowered condition.soasto simulate the production of a.stop signal, and

the said gate ismoved to theyelevated posi tion hen-thetrallic conditionsare appan entl clear this. ate device hein o)er-" 7 D n posltion by movementot ated to the elevated the figure F itself. v 1 ."It ill be further apparent that while-I have shown my invention. in. the pret' 7 ed form many changes and modifications may be, madein the'structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of, the invention. defined in the following'claims. r

' I claim:

1. In an amusement device, a platform support provided with a pluralityfol separate endless paths or tracks having a given intersecting region a plurality of figures one movable in each of said circular paths, and

mechanism for propellingm' operating said; figurescye-hcallym said paths and through sa d intersecting region, said mechanism connecting said figures i and operative to cause the'figures to move through said intersect-111g region in SUCCGSSlOD' and without collidmg movement.

2. In an amusement device, a platform support provided with aplurality ot separate endless paths or tracks having a given intersecting region, a plurality of figures one movable in each 01" said endless paths, and a common motor mechanism connected to said figuresfor propellmg or operating the same cyclically in said paths and through said intersecting region without colliding movement. I I v r 3. In an amusement device, a platform support provided with a plurality of separate endless channels defining paths or tracks having a given intersecting region, a plurality of toy figures one'movable in each of said endless paths, and motor mechanism for propellingor operating said toy figures cyclically in said paths and through said inters'ecting 'regio'nwithout colliding movement, sald motor mechanism including elements arranged beneath said platform "connected to said movable figures through said I channels, and movable in" and about said channels. v i

4. In an amusement device, a plurality of figures movable in predetermined separate endless paths having a given intersection, and acommon motor mechanism-tor propelling the plurality of said figures cyclically in said paths and through said intersection Without colliding movement.

5. In an amusement device, a support including a. platform having an outer section and two innerdisc sections all spaced to define two :annular channels having a given 7 intersecting region, a figure movable in each of said channels and mechanlsm for propel ling or operating said figures cyclically in said channels and throi'igh said intersecting region with passing and non-colliding movement. I x

*6. In an amusement device, a support including'a platform having an outer section and two inner disc sections all spaced to define two'annular channels having a given intersecting region, a toy figure movable in each; of, said channels, one of said figures representinga train of cars and the other of said figures representing motor vehicle, both simulating the movement of train and vehicle at an'intersecting crossing, and a; common motor mechanism for propelling or operating said figures cyclically in said channels and through said intersecting region with passing and non-colliding movement.

7. In an amusement device, a plurality of figures movable mpredetermmed separate circular paths having a given lntersectlon,

one of said figures representing a train of cars and the other of said figuresrepresentring a 'motor vehicle, both simulating the movement of train and, vehicle at an inter- .sectmg crossing, and a common motor mechmechanism for propelling or operating said figures cyclically 1n said channels and throughsaid intersecting region with passlng and non-collidmg movement, said motor mechanism including a motor supported 011 one of said disc sectlons, gear mechanism arranged within said platform and connected to said motor and elements connecting said figures. with said gearm'echanism,

1 9. In an amusement device, a platform support providedwith' a plurality of separate endless paths or tracks having a. given intersecting region, a plurality of figures one movable in eachrof said endless paths,

and mechanism for propelling or operating speed in said paths and through said inter- 'secting region, said mechanism connecting said figures and operative to cause the figures tolmovethrough said intersecting region in succession and without colliding movement.

10. In anamusement device, a support in cluding a platform having an outer section and two inner disc sections all spaced to said figuresflcyclicallyat difierent rates of definetwo annular channels having a given intersecting region, a toy figure movable in each of saidchannelaone of said figures representing a. train of cars and the other of said figures representing a motor vehicle, both simulatingthe movement of train and vehicle at an intersecting crossing, and a common motor mechanism for propelling or operating said figures cyclically in said channels and through said intersecting re gion with passing and non-colliding movec ment, said mechanism being operative to.

propel said train of cars at a higher rate of speed than said motor vehicle.

11. In an amusement device, a support-'ineluding aplatform having'an outer section and two inner disc sections all spaced to define two annular channels, having a given intersecting region, a figure movablecycli- 'cally in each of said channels, one of said figures representing a tram of cars and the other of said figures representing a motor vehicle, both simulating the movement of tram and vehicle at an mtersecting crossing, and motormechamsm for propelling or operating said figures cyclically in said 7 channels and through said intersecting region with passing and non-colliding move,

ment, said motor mechanism including a m0;

tor'supported on one of said disc sections,

gear mechanism'arranged within said platform and connected to said motor andielements connecting said figures with said gear mechanism, said gear mechanism being such that the train of cars is propelled at a rate of speedhigher than that of the vehicle.

a 12. In an amusement device, a support including a platform having an outer section and two inner disc sections all spaced to define two annular channels having a given intersecting region, a simulated suspension bridge structure supporting one disc section V cvclically in each of said channels and motor mechanism for operating said figures.

Signed at New York,Qin the county of New York and State ofNew York, this 13th day of April, A, D. 1927. a

, LOUIS MARX. 

